Back Rack &#39;N Strap

ABSTRACT

The present invention, a Back Rack &#39;N Strap provides a convenient, hands-free way to carry large, bulky items. The invention comprises a flexible solid frame connected to carabiner straps ending in customized carabiners. A series of knobs protrude through the face of the frame. Elongated flexible binding straps with apertures running along their length are provided. To use the invention, the carabiners are attached to the shoulder straps of an existing backpack. A large or bulky item can then be secured to the frame of the invention using the flexible binding straps whose apertures are attached to the knobs on the face of the frame. Once the large or bulky item is securely fastened to the Back Rack &#39;N Strap with the flexible straps, it may then be transported conveniently by the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to devices for facilitating the manual transport of large and bulky articles on one's back, and in particular to a Back Rack 'N Strap device.

BACKGROUND

Backpack devices are commonly used to transport manually on one's back small to medium sized articles which fit easily within the backpack. For example, clothing articles, small cooking utensils, books and papers, hand tools and electronic gear can usually be conveniently transported within the storage compartments of a typical backpack.

At certain times one may need to transport manually or on their back large and bulky items which do not fit within the storage compartments of most backpacks. For example, one may need to transport manually articles such as chairs, skis, snowboards, skateboards, hockey sticks, umbrellas, military gear etc., which cannot be conveniently transported using a standard backpack. In such cases, typical backpack devices are not suitable for this type of operation.

The present invention, a Back Rack 'N Strap provides a convenient, hands-free way to carry large, bulky items which would not fit within the storage compartment of a typical backpack. The invention utilizes a flexible solid frame with straps ending in customized carabiners. Elongated binding straps with apertures are connected to knobs on the invention's frame. To use the invention, the carabiners are attached to the shoulder straps of an existing backpack. A large or bulky item can then be secured to the frame of the invention using the flexible straps which are attached to the knobs on the frame. Once the large or bulky item is securely fastened to the Back Rack 'N Strap, it may then be transported conveniently.

Clearly, there is a need for a device for conveniently transporting large or bulky items on one's back. Such a device would easily accommodate a wide range of items. The device's design would be sturdy and simple. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY

The present invention, a Back Rack 'N Strap, provides a convenient, hands-free way to manually transport large, bulky items which would not normally fit within a backpack. The invention comprises a flexible solid frame enclosed in a durable textile material. In one embodiment of the invention, the durable textile material is cordura nylon. A plurality of adjustable carabiner straps extend from the perimeter of the flexible frame. The ends of each adjustable strap are attached to customized carabiners. A handle comprised of flexible material is attached to the top of the flexible frame and facilitates carrying the invention when it is not secured to a backpack.

A plurality of knobs protrude through each side of the flexible frame. A plurality of elongated, flexible, binding straps are provided. Each binding strap contains a plurality of apertures arranged along the length of the binding strap. Each binding strap can be securely attached to the flexible frame by inserting the knobs into the apertures.

To use the invention, the carabiners are attached securely to an existing backpack by first passing each shoulder strap of the backpack through the corresponding carabiner on the end of a carabiner strap. The invention is thereby secured to the backpack. Items to be transported are secured to the flexible frame by attaching the apertures in the binding straps to the knobs on each side of the invention. Once the large or bulky item has been securely fastened to the invention, it may then be transported conveniently by the user.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The foregoing Summary as well as the following detailed description will be readily understood in conjunction with the appended drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a binding strap of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carabiner strap of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flexible frame of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a customized carabiner of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S)

The present invention 10, a Back Rack 'N Strap 10, provides a convenient, hands-free way to carry large, bulky items. The invention 10 eliminates the strain and inconvenience of carrying large, bulky items by hand.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention 10 comprises a flexible solid frame 20 enclosed in a durable textile material. In some embodiments of the invention 10, the flexible frame 20 is substantially rectangular in shape. In other embodiments of the invention 10, the durable textile material of the flexible frame 20 is comprised of cordura nylon. A plurality of adjustable carabiner straps 22 extend from the perimeter of the flexible frame 20. The strap loops 36 of each adjustable carabiner strap 22 are attached to customized carabiners 16. Each customized carabiner 16 includes a spring loaded carabiner gate 32 that allows the carabiner 16 to open or close. The length of each carabiner strap 22 is adjustable with the use of a strap adjuster 34.

A carrying handle 18 comprised of flexible material is attached to the top of the flexible frame 20 and facilitates carrying the invention 10 when it is not secured to a backpack.

On each side of the flexible frame 20, a plurality of substantially round knobs 14 attached to the carabiner straps 22 protrude through apertures 30 in the flexible frame 20. In one embodiment of the invention 10, the knobs 14 are comprised of molded rubber. A plurality of elongated, flexible, binding straps 12 are provided. Each binding strap 12 contains a handgrip 26 at one end and a plurality of strap apertures 24 arranged along the length of the binding strap 12. The strap apertures 24 in the binding straps 12 are of sufficient diameter and flexible enough to allow the knobs 14 to pass through the strap apertures 24 yet still allow the knobs 14 to be held securely by the strap apertures 24. Each binding strap 12 can be securely attached to the flexible frame 20 by inserting a knob 14 into one of the strap apertures 24 in the binding strap 12, and then inserting a knob 14 on the opposite side of the flexible frame 20 into another strap aperture 24 on the binding strap 12. The tightness of the binding straps 12 can be adjusted by selection of a strap aperture that will allow the correct tightness.

In FIG. 2 is shown a side view of the invention 10 including the binding strap 12, the protruding knobs 14, the carabiner 16, the carrying handle 18, the flexible frame 20, adjustable straps 22, carabiner gate 32, strap adjuster 34, and strap loop 36.

Turning to FIG. 3, a top view of the invention 10 is shown, including the binding straps 12, substantially round knobs 14, carabiners 16, the carrying handle 18, the flexible frame 20, and carabiner gates 32.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the invention 10, including the flexible frame 20, adjustable carabiner straps 22, strap loops 36, customized carabiners 16, spring loaded carabiner gates 32, strap adjusters 34, carrying handle 18, substantially round knobs 14, frame apertures 30, binding straps 12, handgrips 26, and strap apertures 24.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of an elongated, flexible binding strap 12 is shown, including the strap apertures 24 and the handgrip 26.

In FIG. 6 is shown a perspective view of a carabiner strap 22, including the substantially round knobs 14, the strap adjusters 34, and the strap loops 36. An elongated flexible plate 28 serves as a secure base to reinforce the carabiner straps 22. The carabiner straps 22 extend from the elongated flexible plate 28. The substantially round knobs 14 extend outwardly from the surface of the elongated flexible plate 28.

Turning to FIG. 7, a rear perspective view of a flexible frame 20 is shown, including the carrying handle 18 and frame apertures 30.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a customized carabiner 16 is shown, including the carabiner gate 32.

To use the invention 10, the carabiners 16 are attached securely to an existing backpack by first passing each shoulder strap of the backpack through the corresponding carabiner 16 on the ends of each carabiner strap 22. The invention 10 is thereby secured to the back face of the backpack. Item(s) to be transported are arranged on the flexible frame 20 of the invention 10. The item(s) to be transported are then secured to the flexible frame 20 using the binding straps 12 by attaching the binding strap apertures 24 in one or more binding straps 12 to the knobs 14 on each side of the invention 10. As many binding straps 12 as necessary are used to secure the item(s) to be transported to the flexible frame 20 of the invention 10.

Once the large or bulky item(s) have been securely fastened to the invention 10 using the binding straps 12, the user then puts on the backpack, with the invention 10 secured to the backpack. The item(s) may then be transported conveniently by the user. The weight of the items being carried is distributed evenly onto the user's shoulders instead of straining the user's arms.

While embodiments of the invention 10 have been described in detail above, the invention 10 is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, which should be considered as merely exemplary illustrations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention 10. Further variations, modifications, extensions, or equivalents of the invention 10 may be developed without departing from the scope of the invention 10. It is therefore intended that the invention 10 not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention 10, but that the invention 10 will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying device comprising, in combination: a frame having first and second surfaces, said first surface configured to fit the back of a human; a plurality of elongated attachment straps having first and second ends; fasteners attached to said first and second ends of said attachment straps; a plurality of elongated binding straps having first and second ends; and securing mechanisms configured to attach said binding straps to said second second surface of said frame.
 2. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said frame is a substantially rectangular flexible plate.
 3. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said fasteners are comprised of rings configured with gate mechanisms.
 4. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said attachment straps include a strap length adjustment mechanism.
 5. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said first and second ends of said attachment straps extend from elongated base plates.
 6. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said securing mechanisms comprise: a plurality of knobs extending from said second surface of said frame; and a plurality of apertures on said binding straps configured to securely receive said knobs.
 7. The carrying device as described in claim 6 wherein said frame includes a plurality of apertures configured to allow said knobs to pass through said first and second surfaces of said frame.
 8. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said first ends of said binding straps include handgrips.
 9. The carrying device as described in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a carrying handle.
 10. A carrying device comprising, in combination: a substantially rectangular, flexible frame having first and second surfaces, said first surface configured to fit the back of a human; a plurality of elongated attachment straps with first and second ends extending from flexible plates and attached to said frame; ring type fasteners with gate mechanisms attached to said first and second ends of said attachment straps; strap length adjustment mechanisms on said first and second ends of said attachment straps; a plurality of elongated binding straps having first and second ends; a plurality of knobs extending from said attachment straps; a plurality of apertures on said binding straps configured to securely receive said knobs; a plurality of apertures within said frame configured to allow said knobs to pass through said first and second surfaces of said frame; handgrips on said first ends of said binding straps; and a carrying handle on said frame. 